YOUR Brand Storytelling and How to do it?

 

Brand storytelling: What it is and how to do it Brand storytelling can be why customers choose your brand or why people want to work with you. But what is it and how do you start telling your brand story? Related Article: 4 Steps To YOUR Social Media Brand? "Once upon a time…" Those four little words make you lean in a little closer and pay attention because they promise something magical: a story. You're unlikely to start every piece of marketing content or sales presentation that way — if any. But you shouldn't discount the power of storytelling for your business. It's easier to connect with your audience with stories rather than plain facts and figures. Brand storytelling is a tool to help people connect with your company. It can be why customers pick you over the competition or why your job ads get 10x the applicants compared to other companies in your space. Related Article: Instagram Tips For YOUR Small Business? What Is Brand Storytelling? Brand storytelling is the process of using narrative techniques to connect with an audience, and shape and clarify a brand’s identity. “It’s everything you do, big and small,” explained Frontify’s Chief Storyteller, Karl Wikström. As an example, your brand story is expressed in your marketing, the product you deliver, the stories you share on social media,” he added. “It’s the experience you create for your customers, but also for your employees as well.” A strong brand story comes from a combination of discovery and invention. The discovery element comes from uncovering customer stories and team experiences within your organization. It’s essential for bringing authenticity to your story. Look for the consistent data points, ideas, and values that run through customer feedback and employee experiences — these are the core elements of your brand story. Related Article: Photogenic Social Media Marketing For Businesses? Brand Storytelling: What It Is And How To Do It  Brand storytelling can be why customers choose your brand or why people want to work with you. But what is it and how do you start telling your brand story? "Once upon a time…" Those four little words make you lean in a little closer and pay attention because they promise something magical: a story. You're unlikely to start every piece of marketing content or sales presentation that way — if any. But you shouldn't discount the power of storytelling for your business. It's easier to connect with your audience with stories rather than plain facts and figures. Brand storytelling is a tool to help people connect with your company. It can be why customers pick you over the competition or why your job ads get 10x the applicants compared to other companies in your space. Related Article: Kevin Hart Social Media Branding? What Is Brand Storytelling? Brand storytelling is the process of using narrative techniques to connect with an audience, and shape and clarify a brand’s identity. “It’s everything you do, big and small,” explained Frontify’s Chief Storyteller, Karl Wikström. “As an example, your brand story is expressed in your marketing, the product you deliver, the stories you share on social media,” he added. “It’s the experience you create for your customers, but also for your employees as well.” A strong brand story comes from a combination of discovery and invention. The discovery element comes from uncovering customer stories and team experiences within your organization. It’s essential for bringing authenticity to your story. Look for the consistent data points, ideas, and values that run through customer feedback and employee experiences — these are the core elements of your brand story. Then the invention element is the aspirational side of your brand story. Take those day-to-day experiences and turn them into a narrative that helps people connect with your brand and understand your brand’s purpose. Related Article: YOUR Video Content Is King? The Business Benefits of Brand Storytelling The concept of a brand story may seem a little vague to some team members. But knowing who you are, what you stand for, and being able to communicate that at all levels brings concrete benefits to your company. Greater clarity in the business A defined brand story can provide clarity within the company because the whole team has a shared understanding of what your brand means and what it stands for. Karl explained, "You have a very clear shared idea of why your brand exists, who you're for, and what you want to do better than anyone else. It's the foundation for making yourself relevant to your customers." That shared understanding helps guide decision-making because everyone's working towards the same outcome. It also helps create internal alignment around how you present to the market, because all departments can share the same narrative. Related Article: 7 Gary Vaynerchuk Social Media Tips? Helps you identify business opportunities and risks Your brand story can help you identify opportunities that will strengthen your brand, or risks that could weaken it. For example, you can use your brand story to help make decisions around things like changes to your production process, marketing campaigns, or partners to work with. For each one, consider: does this fit with the established narrative for our brand? Does it feel authentic, or will it feel like we’re departing from our brand’s ethos and purpose? Karl explained, “One way your brand story can really help is when you’re thinking about collaborating with other companies — maybe in a marketing partnership, for example. You can spot if they’re a bad fit for your brand and if partnering with them will risk angering your customers by going against your brand values.” Related Article: Should YOUR Business Advertise On Instagram? Helps you attract potential customers and employees Your brand story helps people feel connected to your brand based on shared values and belief in your company’s purpose. This can help you attract good-fit customers — Accenture found that 64% of consumers feel that “companies that actively communicate their purpose are more appealing than those that do not.” Customers connect with your brand through its narrative. That emotional connection can make them more likely to become loyal, long-term customers than if they were only attracted by your product offering. How to tell an effective brand story Your brand story can set your company apart from its competitors. But before you start seeing the benefits, you first need to develop, refine, and practice your brand story. Related Article: The Future of YOUR Social Media Platform? Follow The 7 Principles of Brand Storytelling There are lots of ways you can think about constructing your brand story. We use these principles as our starting point. 1. Purpose — Why does your brand exist? What’s your brand mission? To use a well-known example, Nike’s purpose is to “bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” 2. People — Who are you for? Who are the talent and customers you want to attract? 3. Problem — What is the core problem you are solving for those people? This will become the foundation for your marketing and sales messages, so you need to dig into this principle. 4. Promise — What is the unique value you deliver? You don't need to offer something completely unique, like a product feature or service — your competitors can easily replicate those. Instead, focus on the value you bring or the values that guide you. Related Article: Crucial Social Media Strategy For YOUR Brand? 5. Personality — How do you do things differently in a relevant, noticeable way? 6. Paradox — What tension, contradiction, or conflict are you resolving? Having something you stand against can be just as helpful as knowing what you stand for. For example, in the early years, HubSpot built its brand story by positioning itself against traditional marketing tactics used in outbound marketing. 7. Protagonist — Who’s the “main character” of your brand story? Is it your brand or your customers? What makes your brand heroic? Or how does it make your customer the hero? These seven principles aren't unique — they come from many different storytelling techniques and approaches. But used together, we've found they help you start to shape and understand your brand's story. Related Article: Social Media For YOUR Local Business? Start with Why — This was one of the first books to bring wide attention to the importance of purpose to branding. In our opinion it’s best used in conjunction with other frameworks to be practically useful. Building a Story Brand — This book by Donald Miller gives you a framework to help identify the hero, conflict, and resolution that will be a big part of your brand’s story. Working through the framework can help you clarify the core elements of your brand story and understand how to work them into your company narrative. The most important part of telling your brand story is clarity. So going through the process of putting your brand's values, purpose, and narrative into different frameworks and approaches can help you think clearly about each part of your brand. Applying these frameworks or templates can help you clarify your narrative or uncover new insights. Guest Authored By Karl Wikström. Karl's the Chief Storyteller at Frontify, and Father of many bulldogs, and his daughter  Eja. Follow Karl on X. Bring Your Brand Story to Life Your brand story is more than just a slide in a presentation or page on your website. It’s expressed through your actions every week, month, and year. You bring it to life with every customer interaction, marketing activity, and internal meeting. So when it comes to successful brand storytelling, the most important thing is to remember to practice what you preach. Post Crafted By: Fred Hansen Brand Alchemist at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Scottsdale, AZ. where I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)

The Art Of YOUR Storytelling In Business

From the humble beginnings of Apple in a garage to the invention of Gatorade as fuel for the University of Florida’s athletic teams, compelling narratives play a pivotal role in shaping the identity of iconic brands.  Related Article: The Future of YOUR Social Media Platform However, the art of storytelling in business extends far beyond founding lore. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe may have been talking about architecture when he said, “God is in the details,” but the sentiment rings true when it comes to brand storytelling. Details can make a considerable impact on a business’s audience. Ideally, your brand’s story will shine through in every marketing detail, from your website domain to your graphic design choices. By carefully shaping your brand’s story and using it to inform other business decisions, you build a narrative that endures in the minds of consumers. Related Article: Instagram Tips For YOUR Small Business Every Great Brand Has A Story

At the heart of every exceptional brand is a narrative that encapsulates the ethos, values, and journey of a business. As a marketer or entrepreneur, your job is to create that narrative and make it memorable.

A well-crafted story can humanize a brand, making it relatable and providing consumers with a connection that goes beyond products and services, establishing genuine trust and brand loyalty. Each detail of a brand story, no matter how small, contributes to the richness of the narrative. For example, Cash App stands out as a financial service brand for its universal accessibility, simplicity, and ease of use. When choosing a domain name, Cash App opted for a descriptive choice that reflects its brand’s identity and enhances memorability. The domain name cash.app says it all in two simple words. This clear branding is reiterated with Cash App’s bold and streamlined design choice of a green dollar sign for a logo. Related Article: 4 Steps To YOUR Social Media Brand Craft A Narrative That Resonates The essence of brand storytelling lies in crafting a narrative that reflects the values of a business and resonates with audiences on a profound, human level. You can start by identifying the core elements that define your brand, like your mission, the unique value you offer customers, and the impact you hope to make. Authenticity is a storyteller’s greatest asset in genuinely connecting with audiences, so make sure to prioritize honesty and truth in your storytelling. One brand that exemplifies strong storytelling is Nike. From its iconic "Just Do It" slogan to its collaborations with world-class athletes, Nike runs with a narrative of determination, resilience, and achievement. With its story, Nike has become a beacon of strength, guiding millions to immerse themselves as heroes in a story of teamwork and triumph. Related Article: The Future of YOUR Social Media Platform Details Illustrate A Story Details like the Nike swoosh make all the difference in building a brand story that truly stands the test of time. Details are not incidental; they are the brushstrokes that paint a vivid picture of a brand's identity. As you choose these details, make sure they align with your brand's values, mission, and unique selling proposition. The elements of your business’s story should be integrated into every aspect of your brand, from logos and website design to marketing collateral and email signatures. Giving a brand story its own digital space can take that memorability to the next level. A domain that includes keywords before and after the dot, like thrift.store, instantly communicates what your brand offers. The online game Fortnite uses the domain fortnite.fun to encourage players to track their scoreboard stats. Specific brand stories can also warrant their own domain. A top-level domain like .press might bring attention to a brand’s public relations initiatives, while a top-level domain like .tech could emphasize the digital innovation of a brand. The domain you choose all depends on what kind of story you want to tell. Related Article: What Other Peoples Advertising Can Teach YOU Guest Authored By Akram Atallah. Akram is CEO of Identity Digital, a global next- generation top level domains and digital identity. Follow Akram on X, Consistency Makes Brands More Memorable The art of storytelling is defined by the meticulous craftsmanship of a skilled storyteller. As you script your own brand narrative, look for the details that elevate a story so it sticks in the minds of consumers. Consistent storytelling across all elements of your branding ensures that your brand’s narrative makes a genuine connection with audiences and fosters trust for lasting customer relationships. Post Crafted By: Fred Hansen Brand Alchemist at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Scottsdale, AZ. where I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)

4 Steps To YOUR Social Media Brand?

Four ways to brand yourself on social media..

Social media is an important aspect of branding for many professions today. When you begin teaching others about your product or service, you must ask yourself, "Am I establishing a solid foundation?"

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As a consultant who helps businesses and executives brand themselves through social media, I've seen that when it is time to promote yourself to a target audience online, things can become a little sticky if you are a jack-of-all-trades; you don't always know what to focus on.

Let’s look at an example: A cosmetic company I formerly worked with promoted not only its beauty items for sale but also the camaraderie that comes along with its product. The founder was able to tap into something that consumers were searching for and positively promote it. Targeted campaigns were run on different platforms with a consistent message to reach a certain goal.

I believe your focus should be the same as you promote your company and yourself as a business owner, professional, expert and specialist; highlight the skills and expertise people are looking for.

Related Article: Kevin Hart Social Media Branding?

Analyze Your Brand's Reputation

People skills are often an important factor when hiring and promoting. I have seen technical individuals receive promotions because they knew the ins and outs of a certain process or technology and were able to create great results. But once they became managers of people, their success rates began to dwindle because they weren't able to connect with their teams or see the areas of themselves they could improve.

I believe you can apply this lesson to your social media branding. Knowing how you and your company are represented is a necessity. Evolving your self-awareness is the first step to improving your brand. As a business owner or leader, improvement is crucial to be successful. To discover your brand's reputation, look at your personal reputation. It is important that your messages line up so a consistent message is received. The following steps can help you clarify this message and ensure you're reaching your targeted audience.

Related Article: Lessons For YOUR Brand On Social Media?

Find The Right Platform

To further develop and enhance your social media branding, pick the right platform for you, and start small.

Trying to work on every medium you can think of simultaneously can be stressful and unproductive.

If your target audience is a conservative, business-oriented group, for example, working with LinkedIn or Twitter might be the best place for you to start. In my experience, these platforms tend to cater more toward professional viewpoints and goals.

But if you want to target a younger demographic, Instagram might be the most logical place for you to focus on first. Do your research to discover where your audience spends its time online.

Related Article: Brand Awareness With Unexpected Platforms?

Maintain Consistency

Being consistent is key. Make a plan each week to outline when you will post an update or how many times you will share an article, picture or video so your audience knows when to look out for your content (and so you can stay organized).

Stay within your color palette so that your followers can easily recognize your brand, logo, symbol or mascot even when the photos are different.

Knowing who your target audience is will allow you to determine the flexibility you have when making changes without offending, confusing or losing them. Keep your audience in mind to help lead you in the right direction.

Related Article: What Other Peoples Advertising Can Teach YOU?

Be Intentional With Your Content

On social media, you are vying for the attention of your audience so your brand is known and recognized. Staying aware of how your brand affects your audience will help you to know if and when it is time to change pieces of your content. Make sure you are intentional about what you post because I believe this shows your audience you care about helping them achieve their goals. Knowing what your brand stands for along with selling your service or product is very important. Just “selling” something today does not mean that your audience will buy from you tomorrow.

Be deliberate in your messaging so others who want to support your brand know what they are going along with. To be sure you're sharing content that is important to your brand, list the things you want yourself and your company to be known for. You might even consider contacting a brand manager to get outside help with sharing your message. Be purposeful in letting the audience know your product is something they should be proud to support.

Guest Authored By Michelle Weathersby. Michelle is making life easier by focusing on your future. Career coaching & consulting, workshops at Lens Consulting Firm. Follow Michelle on X.

Related Article: YOUR Brand Engagement Social Media?

To successfully brand yourself on social media, be sure you know who your target audience is and what they want and need.

Present yourself and your brand consistently so your audience knows what to expect when reaching out to you, and if you are not sure where to start, don’t be afraid to ask for help..

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  Post Crafted By:

  Fred Hansen Brand Alchemist at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Loveland, CO. where I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)

YOUR Engaging Brand Storytelling Narrative?

What is Brand Storytelling?

Brand storytelling is not a new concept.. 

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Amidst the very difficult brand quest of standing out and leaving a lasting impression, this strategy emerges, extra shiny, as a beacon of creativity At its core, brand storytelling is the art of crafting narratives that evoke emotion, build rapport, and ultimately, shape the perception of a brand in the minds of its audience where attention is scarce and competition fierce and brands are constantly seeking new avenues to stand out, connect with their audience, and leave a lasting impression. It goes beyond mere advertising or promotion; instead, it delves into the essence of what makes a brand unique, compelling, and relatable. 

From ancient civilizations sharing myths around campfires to modern-day companies weaving narratives through multimedia channels, storytelling has always been an integral part of human communication. However, now more than everywhere, consumers are bombarded with a constant stream of content, and the need for authentic, engaging stories has never been more pronounced.

The Elements of Powerful Brand Storytelling

Be Real

Authenticity is crucial in brand storytelling. Audiences today are discerning and can quickly spot when a story feels forced or inauthentic. When brands maintain a genuine, it builds trust and credibility. Authentic storytelling establishes a deep connection between the brand and its audience, creating a sense of honesty and reliability on a personal level.

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Stir Emotions

Emotions lie at the core of effective storytelling. Stories that evoke profound feelings – such as joy, empathy, or inspiration – are more likely to strike a chord with the audience and leave a lasting impression. By tapping into universal human emotions, brands can create narratives that are relatable and unforgettable. When a story resonates emotionally, it becomes unforgettable, embedding itself in the hearts and minds of the audience. Successful brand storytelling is deeply rooted in relevance. It speaks directly to the audience's interests, needs, and aspirations, addressing their concerns and desires with authenticity and empathy. By understanding the identity of their audience and what matters most to them, brands can craft narratives that feel personal and relatable. When a story resonates with relevance, it becomes more than just a tale – it becomes a mirror reflecting the audience's own experiences and values.

Consistency

Consistency is the glue that holds a brand narrative together over time. Brands must ensure that their storytelling remains consistent across all platforms and interactions, reinforcing key messages and themes to create a unified brand experience. Consistent storytelling builds familiarity and trust, allowing audiences to engage with the brand's story in a meaningful and cohesive way, no matter where or how they encounter it.

Related Article: 4 Steps To YOUR Social Media Brand

Character Development

Characters breathe life into brand storytelling. Whether they represent the brand itself, its creators, employees, or customers, well-developed characters add depth and personality to the narrative, making it more engaging and relatable. When characters are fleshed out with their own quirks, motivations, and challenges, they become more than just placeholders – they become the heart and soul of the brand's story.

Conflict and Resolution

Every compelling story has a journey, complete with challenges to overcome and obstacles to conquer. In brand storytelling, conflict represents the hurdles that the brand or its customers face – whether it's a problem to solve, a goal to achieve, or a change to navigate. By showcasing how the brand rises to meet these challenges and helps its audience overcome adversity, brands can create narratives that are not only compelling but also inspiring. Conflict and resolution add depth and drama to the story, keeping audiences engaged and invested in the outcome.

Related Article: The Art of YOUR Storytelling in Business?

Presentation

Effective brand storytelling frequently incorporates both visual and verbal components to create a rich sensory experience. This might include striking visuals such as photos, videos, or graphics, as well as finely crafted written or spoken narratives that capture the audience's attention and ignite their imagination. It is a multi-sensory experience that engages both the eyes and the ears. It incorporates striking visuals such as photos, videos, or graphics, as well as finely crafted written or spoken narratives that capture the audience's attention and ignite their imagination.

Presentation plays a crucial role in bringing the brand's story to life, creating an immersive experience that draws audiences into the narrative and leaves a lasting impression.

Brand Values and Brand Purpose

A strong sense of brand purpose and brand values underpins effective brand storytelling. When brands are anchored by a clear mission and set of values, their storytelling becomes more than just marketing creating narratives that are meaningful and impactful. With purpose as their north star, brand stories can truly connect with people and make a difference in the world. By understanding what matters most to their audience and sharing stories that reflect those values, brands can inspire others to take action and create positive change in society.

Related Article: What Other Peoples Advertising Can Teach YOU

Engagement:

Brand storytelling is not just about broadcasting a message; it's about engaging the audience in a conversation. Engagement goes beyond simply telling a story – it involves inviting the audience to participate, share their own experiences, and become part of the brand's journey. When brands engage with their audience in the best ways, they can create narratives that inspire action and drive positive change in society.

Visual Storytelling For Brands

We live in an increasingly visual world where the power of imagery cannot be underestimated. Visual storytelling allows brands to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that is immediate, visceral, and universally understood.  Whether it's through stunning photography, eye-catching infographics, or immersive videos, visual storytelling has the ability to captivate audiences and bring brand narratives to life in ways that words alone cannot. From Instagram stories to YouTube channels, brands have a wealth of platforms at their disposal to showcase their visual storytelling prowess and connect with consumers on a deeper level.  It's like creating a picture book or a movie that captures people's attention and helps them understand and remember what the brand is all about. Visual storytelling helps brands connect with their audience in a more interesting and memorable way. Related Article: The Future of YOUR Social Media Platform How To Use Brand Storytelling In Marketing?

Brand storytelling in marketing refers to the strategic use of narratives to convey the core values, identity, and purpose of a brand to its target audience. Rather than simply promoting products or services, it aims to establish emotional connections and engage consumers on a deeper level. By crafting gripping stories that speak to the audience's experiences, desires, and beliefs, brands can distinguish themselves from competitors, foster brand loyalty, and cultivate lasting relationships with customers. Whether through social media content, advertisements, blog posts, or video campaigns, brand storytelling humanizes the brand message, triggers emotions, and creates a memorable impact on consumers, ultimately driving awareness, engagement, and sales.  Know Your Audience Effective storytelling begins with a deep understanding of your target audience – their values, aspirations, and challenges. By tailoring your narrative to resonate with their needs and desires, you can create a more meaningful connection with your audience, fostering strong brand association. Be Authentic In an age of skepticism and distrust, authenticity is paramount. Be genuine in your storytelling, sharing honest, transparent narratives that reflect the true essence of your brand. Related Article: The Best Social Platform For YOUR Business? Embrace Multimedia From blog posts and social media to videos and podcasts, there are countless ways to bring your brand story to life through multimedia content. Experiment with different formats to find the most effective way to engage your audience. Encourage Brand Advocacy Your most loyal customers can be powerful advocates for your brand, helping to amplify your storytelling efforts through word-of-mouth recommendations and user-generated content (UGC).  Content Marketing: The Backbone of Brand Storytelling At the heart of brand storytelling lies content marketing – the strategic creation and distribution of valuable, relevant content designed to attract, engage, and retain a specific audience. Whether it' a blog post, a social media campaign, or a branded podcast, content marketing provides brands with a platform to share their story in a way that strikes a chord with the target audience.  Guest Authored By: Brandemic   By leveraging the principles of storytelling – such as narrative structure, character development, and emotional resonance – brands can create content that not only informs but also entertains and inspires. This can help build brand affinity, foster trust, and ultimately drive customer loyalty and advocacy.  So, as you gear up to embark on your own storytelling adventure, remember to channel your inner storyteller. Unleash your creativity, think outside the box, and don't be afraid to take risks, It's the essence of a winning brand strategy.  Whether you're crafting a blog post, shooting a video, or posting on social media, let your brand's personality shine through in every word and image.  Post Crafted By: Fred Hansen Pied Piper of Social Media Marketing at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Scottsdale, AZ where I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)